After a year’s absence, the adult coed softball tournament returns to the Oatmeal Festival lineup. The tourney kicks off activities for the Festival with a full day of games beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 24, at Bertram’s Little League Field.

Mad Dog Fitness of Burnet comes on board as a sponsor of the tournament and Amanda Walker takes the reigns as event coordinator. This is Walker’s first year at the helm as coordinator, but she is a seasoned softball player. She is a former Burnet High School softball player and a veteran of adult leagues including a stint with an adult Johnson City squad.

Walker said she expects a field of nine teams to compete for t-shirt prizes. Team registration closed August 21, but adult women are welcome as walk-ons because of a shortage of female players. The double elimination tournament plays under modified rules and each team is required to have five women on their team on an open roster.

Trail Ride to Bertram

On Saturday, August 31, a morning trail ride comprised of wagons, donkeys, and horses departs at 7:33 a.m. from Oatmeal.

5k “Run For the Oats”

A festival favorite, “Run for the Oats,” gets underway at 8:03 a.m., Saturday, August 31, at the Bertram water tower in historic downtown. About 150 runners are projected to traverse the 3.3 mile course over level city streets.

“All are welcome,” said Bonnie Porterfield, one of the race directors. “You will be sure to have fun.”

Porterfield said the race attracts a diverse group of runners from throughout the region. In the past, runners have hailed from San Antonio, Fredericksburg, Austin, Round, Rock, Dallas and Burnet.

“We’ve had runners over the age of 70 along with mothers pushing baby strollers,” added the Bertram native. “So, all are welcome.”

She and her husband, Tice, are in their third year of serving as Race Directors. Both have running backgrounds. Bonnie was on the track squad at Burnet High School while Tice was a former Liberty Hill runner.

Early registration, which includes a complimentary race shirt designed by Danisa Scott of XLR8 T-Shirts in Burnet, ends August 24. Runners can late register up until just before the race. The top three finishers in each age division by gender are awarded prizes. Complete race information is available at www.oatmealfestival.com.

“The greatest thing has been all the community support,” said Bonnie Porterfield. “All proceeds go to award scholarships to area students.”

Oatie-The Mascot

Watch for Oatie the Festival mascot and goodwill ambassador for 12 years, roving about the Festival grounds mingling with all the guests. Oatie will pose for pictures, ride in the parade and congratulate winners at various activities.

Dramatic Aerial Flyover

A unique aerial flyover has become one of the festival’s signature events.

On Saturday, August 31, during the Grand Parade in downtown historic Bertram, oats are dropped on festival-goers from the sky creating a most unusual shower and pleasant surprise for visitors. A new pilot, Jason Hinds, will be at the controls this year. Hinds will make several passes over the parade route, showering guests us with oats. Years ago, a helicopter was used but nearly crashed when the rotors blew oats into the intake and stalled the helicopter.

Ride the Rails

to the Festival

Ride the rails to the Festival aboard the Bertram Flyer and have a memorable journey on Austin’s greatest rail adventure!

Train departs from Cedar Park. Seating is limited and goes fast, so reserve your spot. Order tickets online or call the ticket agent at 512-477-8468 ext. 2. Ticket agent is available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For More Information

Visit the festival website at www.oatmealfestival.com for additional information and a complete schedule of activities.